Automatic stapling machine



April 26, 1938. J. R. MILLER AUTOMATIC STAPLI LNG MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct 28 19:56

April 26, 1938,

.1. R. MILLER AUTOMATIC STAPLING MACHINE Filed Oct. 28, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Ira/er? or John Ji- Miller April 26, 1938.

J. R. MILLER AUTOMATIC STAPLING MACHINE 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 28, 1936 6% s i/mam? Patented Apr. 26, 1938 UNITED STATES- PATENT OFFICE 2,115,175 AUTOMATIC STAPLING MACHINE J ohn- R. Miller, Brewton, Ala.

Application October 28, 1936, Serial No. 107,972

21 Claims.

This invention relates to machines for use in making boxes, crates, box or crateblanks and parts thereof and particularly to automatic stap-.

ling machines for fastening together a plurality of box parts.

The main objects of this invention are to provide an improved automatic stapling machine; to provide an improved stapling machine for controllably positioning a staple or fastener in any desired location; to provide such a device for posi-.- tioning a plurality of staples in closeproximity to each other; and in any desired arrangement; to provide an improved combination of stapling mechanisms for controllably positioning a plurality of staples at any desired location in the box parts; to provide an improved combination 'of selectively operable stapling mechanisms to position staples or fasteners at any desired location in the box parts; to provide an improved controlling means for selectively operating a plurality of stapling or fastening mechanisms; to provide such a controlling. means that is independent of the position of the work feeding mechanism 'of an automatic stapling machine; to provide an improved form in which box parts may be assembled prior to the stapling or fastening operation; to provide an improved combination of Y assembly form and controlling means for the operation of automatic stapling mechanism; and to provide an improved stapling machine in which a plurality of staple setting mechanisms are selectively controlled and operable by means of an independent form in which box parts are pre-assembled in their proper relationship.

An illustrative embodiment of this invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. l is a side elevation of an improved stapling machine.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional elevation of the frame as on the line 2-2 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the stapling machine.

Fig. 4 is an end elevation of the stapling machine taken from the entering end of the same.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of an improved assembly frame for box parts, the box parts'b'eing shown in dotted outline.

Fig. 6 is a plan view of an assembled and fastened box mat illustrating a staple or fastener arrangement obtainable with the improved machine. I

Fig. '7 is a sectional elevation of the box preassembly frame as taken on line '!--1 of Fig. 5 showing an arrangement of means for controlling machine shown in Fig. 1 taken inside the side the operation of the stapling mechanisms, the box parts being, omitted. v

Fig. 8' is a sectional view of the same taken on the'line 8-8 of Fig. 7, and

Figs. 9, 10, and 11 are views showing different types of actuating dogs for selective control of the stapling mechanisms.

In the form shown in the drawings the improved stapling machine is of a type designed to produce what is commonly referred to as a box or crate blank havinga plurality of separate parts or sections of side material and cleats connected together in co'operable, foldable relationship by means of staples or fasteners which are driven through the cleats and the side material.

In thearrangement shown the box parts are pre-assembled in their proper relationship in a work carrying form or frame and continuously. traveling work feeding mechanism is provided for carrying or transporting the assembly frames and r the box parts through the stapling machinethe box parts being successively operated upon by a plurality of independently operable stapling or fastener setting mechanisms each of which, ac! cording to well-known practice, is arranged to move with the work during the stapling operations and to automatically return to an initial position 'for the next stapling operation.

The selective operation of the several stapling mechanisms is accomplished by means of a controlling pattern which is carried by the work assembly frame whereby the selective and successive operation of the stapling mechanisms is independent of the operation of the work feeding means, the work feeding means and the stapling mechanisms being co-related only with regard to the distance of travel of the work feeding mechanism during one cycle of operation of the stapling mechanism. 7

As shown in the drawings the improved stapling machine comprises three independently operable staple or fastener setting mechanisms I, 2, and 3, arranged in a horizontal series and combined in unitary structure comprising side frames 4 and 5. Power for operating the respective stapling mechanisms is provided from a common source which, in the arrangement shown, is a construction details will be confined to one of the units. Duplicate numbers, however, designate like parts in the several stapling units.

Each stapling mechanism itself, in the arrangement shown, is of a type that is well-known in the art and is a unit comprising a fixed stapling head bar 12, a reciprocable driving head bar. [3 and a' clinch bar or anvil support. mounted in a carriage comprising'end frames l5 and i5 which in turn are pendulously supported in suitable journals I! in the stapling machine side frames 4 and 5 respectively, the journals l1 permitting .a swinging or pendulous motion of theentire stapling mechanism unit. The stapling head bar l 2 providesa support upon which stapling heads 18 may be supported, each stapling head being a separate unit capable of forming a wire staple from wire stock fed thereto by auto matic means not shown and driving the formed staple into the box parts; 7 l V The stapling heads l8 may be. any of several suitable and 'well-knowndevices and are therefore'not shownin detail. 7 Likewise the wire feed- "practice one or more stapling heads together with associated wire feeding mechanisms. may be mounted in laterally spaced relation on the stapling head bar l2. Each stapling head I8 is 7 head l8. 7

actuated by respective driving means l9 mounted on the driving head bar l3, thus each reciprocation of the driving head bar l3 causes a staple or fastener to be formed and driven by the stapling .Thereciprocation of the drivinghead bar [3 is accomplished by means of a pair of connecting rods 28 which are operated by means of respective eccentrics 2| fastened to the outboard ends of. a drive shaft 22 which, in turn, is driven through gears 23 and 24. from a drive shaft 25. Each connecting rod 28 is connected to a respective end of the driving head bar IS on a journal 28 and the driving head bar 13 moves in slots 2'! formed in the journaled upper ends of the stapling mechanism unit side frames [5 and 16. c

The drive shaft 25 is driven throughan automatic clutch 28rwhich serves to connect and disconnect the drive shaft 25 with-a continuously rotated shaft 29:to which one of thegears 8 of the power transmission is secured; Thus, when. the clutch 28 is engaged to connect theshafts '29 and 25, the driving head bar l3 will be caused to reciprocate one cycle for each revolution of the drive shaft 25, thegears 23 and 24 between the eccentric driving shaft 22 and the shaft 25"beingof the same size or pitch diameter. I

The means for rocking or pendulously oscillating each stapling'mechanism is shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and comprisesa crank arm 30 secured on the end of a rocker shaft 3| and conside frames I5 and I6 of the respective stapling mechanism by. means of a crank 34 secured to a rocker shaft 31 and a link 35 connecting the end of the crank 34 with the side frames.

The relative positions of the eccentrics 33 and 2| on the eccentric drive shaft 22 are fixed so that during the staple forming and driving operation the stapling mechanism will swing in the journals I! in the direction in which the work is traveling, thus permitting a continuous operation of the work feeding mechanism without the necessity of pauses during the stapling operation. The theory purpose and operation of the Swinging or shiftable stapling mechanism is old and Well-known in the art and therefore will not be further described.

As heretofore noted each of the stapling mechanisms of the improved stapling machine is independently operable and independently controlled so that the several stapling mechanisms may be selectively operated.

Each stapling mechanism is provided with a clutch 28 for connecting and disconnecting the respective drive shaft 25 with the respective constantly driven shaft 29 and each clutch 28 is controlled by a respective trip mechanism that in turn, is actuated by controlling means adjacent the'path of the work feeding mechanism.

A trip mechanism and controlling means for operating clutch 28 is shown in Figs. 2, 3, and 4 and comprises a trip finger 3B fixed on a rotatable shaft 31 andIarranged to project toward the path'of the work feeding mechanism so as to be engageable with actuating means carried by the Work feeding mechanism. The shaft 31 extends downwardly at the side of the stapling machine and carries a crank arm 38 fixed at its lower end,

which crank arm is connected by a trip link 39 v to one arm 40 of a 'bell-crank-shaped stop lever pivotly mounted on a stud 4l' carried by a sup porting plate 42. The supporting plate'42 is mounted on the stapling machine side frame as shown in Fig.4. I

r The arm 48 of the stop against a stop 43,.projecting from the p1ate'42, by means of a spring 44 which serves to hold the stop lever and the trip link normally retracted. Theother arm 45 of the stop lever is arranged to normally project into the path of an arm 46 of a three-armed lever pivotally mounted on a stud 41 and when in normal position a roller on thearm 46 contacts with a roller 48 on the lever is normally held by means of a link 49 under the action of a spring 50. The three-armed or triple lever, of

which arm 45 forms apart, has a second arm meshing with the stapling machine transmission so as to be constantly rotated when the stapling machineis in operation.

' e clutch 28is preferably a so-called roller clutch of known construction and unnecessary to describe herein, except in its particular relation to the workingof this machine. The finger 52 of the clutch release member protrudes from the body of the clutch in a position to be engaged by the arm 5! of the. triple lever. The clutch 28 is normally disengaged from the shaft 29 by contact of its control finger 52 with the arm 5|, and the triple lever is held in this engaged positionso long as arm 45 arrests the movement of arm 46. When the finger 52 is moved backward against operating rotation of the clutch 28 it renders the clutch inoperative by releasing the clutch rollers.

The triple lever having the arms 46 and 5|, also has an arm 53 carrying a roller adapted to engage a cam 54 formed on the clutch case. The cam 54, through engagement with the arm 53, automatically returns the triple lever to its original or normal position to stop the clutch after it has completed one revolution. Suitable braking means, well-known in this art and therefore not shown, are also provided to arrest rotation of the clutch when the clutch rollers are released and thus take up any shock due to stoppage of the clutch and parts afiected thereby as well as to prevent rebound of the clutch and parts connected therewith.

It will thus be seen that each time the trip lever 35 is actuated the clutch trip mechanism will operate to provide a driving connection, be-

tween the continuously rotating shaft 29 and during which the staple setting mechanism will be operated once or through one cycle to perform a fastening operation, returning at the end of such cycle to its initial or starting position wherein the driving head bar will be positioned at the top of the slots 21 in'which it reciprocates.

As indicated in Figs. 3 and 4 the box parts which are to be fastened in assembled positions are fed into the stapling machine in a form or frame 55 which is carried or transported through the stapling machine by the work feeding mechanism chains 9. The form 55 is shown in detail in Figs. 5, 7, and 8 and comprises a rectangular frame on one face of which a plurality of spaced panels 56' are secured to provide a bottom upon which the box parts may rest when they are set into the frame.

In the form shown, the form or frame 55 is arranged for a three-panel box mat made up of box mat or blank. Also the bottom panels 56 are spaced away from the ends of the form 55 and from each other at the location of the transverse cleats comprised in the box mat in order to provide a space into which the anvils -l4.l carried on the clincher bars l4 may fit; to

back up the box material at the points where the staples are driven during the stapling operation.

Thus, when the box parts are assembled in the form 55, the slats 58 comprising the box panels are laid first and the end cleats 59 and corner cleats 60 are laid on top of the slats 58. It will be noted that the spacer ribs 51 are of greater height than the thickness of the slats 58 so as to engage the sides of the cleats 59 and. 69 and hold them in proper position relative to the slats 58.

As shown in Figs. 5, '7, and 8, the controlling means for actuating the clutch .tripper mechanism and hence for controlling the operation of the stapling mechanisms is associated with the box assembly frame or form 55 and comprises a plurality of spaced dogs-or lugs 'Bl adjustably mounted along one side of the frame 55 and so arranged that as the frame 55 is carried or transported through the stapling machine by the work feeding means, as shown in Fig. 3, the controlling dogs Elwill successively and selectively actuate or operate the trip finoperation of the several stapling mechanisms and these dogs are so spaced and positioned that the selected stapling mechanism will be operated to place or set staples at the desired locations inthe box parts, thedesired locations for the staples corresponding to the positions of the respective dogs.

As shown in Fig. 2 the trip fingers for the several stapling mechanisms are arranged at different heights abovethe level of the working bed or the work feeding mechanism. Thus, a dog projecting from the side of the frame 55 at the level of any one of the several trip fingerswill actuateor' operate that arm only, passing over or under the other tripfingers, as the case may be, while traveling through the stapling machine. Thus, it" will be seen that the plurality of dogs 6| may be arranged so that each will operate only the desiredstapling mechanism for setting staples in the box parts at its particular relative location and that in this manner the several dogs 6| constitute an operating pattern for controlling the composite operation of the stapling machine as a whole, which pattern is directly associated with the box partsassembly frame and therefore independentof location along the path of the work feeding mechanism and of the particular position of any part'of the feeding mechanism relative to the box parts to be fastened.

It will also be seen that any desired sequence or orderof operation of the several stapling mechanisms may be had for each individual,

'frame as it is carried through the'stapling ma chine and thusframes for one size and arrangement of box parts may be immediately followed by frames for another size or arrangement of box parts without changing the set-up of, the stapling machine? so long as the spacing of the staples transversely'of' the machine for the several box sizes isthe same. 1

For example; box mats of the same length as that shown in Fig. 6 but of varying widthsmay be made in a single run of but one stapling machine by simply adjusting the operating pattern, or arrangement of dogs, for each frame according to the staple arrangement desired for that frame. The illustrative box mat shown in Fig. 6 shows a stapling arrangement that with ordinary box making machinery would require'three separate machines and hence three feeding'operations to be accomplished. However, in the herein'described stapling machine all of the staples may be set during one feeding operation. For example; the staples of. Fig-.6 indicated by letter A may be set by the staplingmechanism l '(see Fig. l); the staples indicated by the letter B' may be set by the staple mechanism 2; and the staples indicated by the letter C may be set by the stapling I mechanism 3, and thus a closely nested arrangement of staples as shown in the intermediate mechanisms will operate upon substantially the same part of the box mat. Thus the controlling dogs 6| will each be of a type having three projecting fingers 62, as shown in Fig. '7, one for each of the respective stapling mechanism trip fingers 36. The lowermost finger 62 of the-controlling dogs will operate the number I stapling mechanism,

the intermediate finger will operate the number 2 stapling mechanism, and the top finger will operate the. number 3. stapling mechanism.

It will be apparent, however, that as desired,

the dogs may be arranged so as to operate only selected ones of the several stapling mechanisms for its particular position relative to the box parts. For example, if it is desired that the number i stapling mechanism only should position staples at a certain location in the box parts the dog for that location would be of the type shown in Fig. 9. Likewise, if it should be desired that at a certain location in the box parts only the number I and number 3 stapling mechanism should operate or only thenumber 2 and number 3 stapling mechanisms should operate, dogs of the type shown in Figs. 10 and 11, respectively would be employed for that location. Thus, substantially any desired combination or pattern of operations of the several independent stapling mechanisms may be accomplished by merely setting up the proper pattern or arrangement of controlling dogs. a e

.The, dog shown in Fig. 9 is constructed as a single unit having a flanged portion 63 for mounting on the frame 55 and a single finger 62. This dog is provided with a bolt hole in its upstanding portion in order to permit bolting on additional finger brackets as inthe case of the dog 30.

arrangement shownin Fig. -10 wherein an auxiliary. finger lug or bracket 64 for controlling the number 3 stapling mechanism is attached to a a dog of the type shown in Fig. 9 thereby producing an assembly that will operate the number I and number 3 stapling mechanisms only.

The dog shown in Fig. 11 is of the type that would be employedat locations Where operation of the number I stapling mechanism is not desired and-this dog is constructed of a single angle bracket '65 arranged to be mounted on the frame 55 and having attached, thereto an auxiliary finger or lug bracket 64 for operating the number 2 and number 3 stapling mechanisms only. It is by the construction of a controlling pattern made up of. selected ones of the several types of dogs that any desired selective operation of the-several staplingmechanisms can be accomplished.

In the operation of the herein described machine the box-parts assembly trays or frames 55 areplaced upon the chains 9 of the work feeding a mechanism at the entering end of the machine and are carried into the machine with one of the long sides of the tray leading, the end-of the tray on which the controlling pattern is located being positioned at the side of the machine on whichthe trip fingers 36 of theclutch operating mechanismv are located. As before'mentioned, the work feeding mechanism is constantly driven and the chains 9 move so that the tray or frame 55 travels throughvthe machine continuously at a uniform rate.

Since each stapling mechanism is independently operable such mechanisms will only operateupon the box parts when they have been respectively actuated by the control pattern as-' sociated with the particular assembly frame carrying the parts to be operated upon. Thus, a single frame may be sent through the machine, or a plurality of frames may follow each other edge to edge, or a series of frames may be spaced apart haphazardly according to the skill or convenience of the operator without danger of unwanted operation of the stapling mechanisms. The first step before the actual stapling operations are commenced is to setup the stapling upon the box parts at the desired For example, in the arrangement herein illus- V trated the number I stapling mechanism will carry four stapling heads to take care of the four rows of staples indicated by the letter A in Fig.6. In many ordinary box constructions the necessary staples can be set by a single stapling mechanism. However, in the box blank illustrated in Fig. 6 it is necessary to place three staples in very close proximity to each other, at each of the.

stapling points in the intermediate cleats 66,

which could not be accomplished by a single stapling mechanism for the reason that the stapling heads necessary to set each group of three staplescould not be positioned so closely together.

on onestapling head bar. {Therefore the number 2 and number 3 stapling mechanisms must beset up with the proper stapling heads to set the staples indicated by the letters B and 0 respectively. Thus, by means of the combined machine herein described and illustrated any arrangement of staples that might be desired may be had no matter how closely located the staples might be relative to each other.

The'second step in preparing for the stapling operation is to provide the trays or frames 55,.

suitably constructed and arranged to hold the several box parts in proper relation to each other, and to arrange the staple'locating or positioning pattern oneach of the frames. The staple posie tioning pattern is constructed by -mounting on means or-tripfingers; of the selected stapling mechanisms. A dog 6! will be provided for each row of staples, transversely of the machine, and

such dog will carry proper fingers 62 positioned to actuate the trip fingers 36 of the selected ones of theseveral stapling mechanisms.

As the frame or assembly form travels through the stapling machine under the influence of the work feeding mechanism, the fingers of the controlling dogs 6| will trip any of the sev 'eral trip fingers 36 that happens to be in their path, and each time a trip finger 36 is engaged the respective stapling mechanism will be operated.

With reference to Figs. 2 and 3 as the tray 55 is fed through the stapling machine, the controlling fingers 62 will each actuate the trip fingers 36 that happens to be in its path or at its particular level. The trip fingers 36 obstruct 1 the passage of the controlling fingers 62 and must be forced back to clear the way. This is accom-- plished'by forming each trip finger 36 with a cam surface on its end so that as the fingers 62 engage the same, the trip finger 36 will be forced back angularly and thus rotate the shaft 3"! to which it is secured. When the trip finger 36' is thus pivot 4| and move the arm 45 and its roller 48 703 forced to move and rotate the shaft 31, the crank out of the path of the arm 46. Mlhen the arm 46 is released by the movement of the arm 45, the triple lever will turn on its pivot under the action of the spring 50 and the link 49 sufficiently to cause the arm 5! toreleasethe clutch member 52 which causes the clutch 23 to revolve with the shaft 28 which is continuously in motion., During such revolution of the clutch 28, the cam 54 thereon engages the lower arm 53 of the triple lever and returns it to a position where itsarm 5| will again engage the finger 52-and disengage the clutch and stop the rotation of the drive shaft 25 and connected parts.

The trip finger 35 will be released from its actuating dog finger 52 before the stapling operation has taken place and thus the crank 38 and link 39 will be free to return to their normal position under the action of the spring 44 so that the arm 45 and its roller 48 will return to their normal position. This will arrest arm 46, itshaving been forced back to its normal position by the cam 54, and thus prevent a second revolution of the clutch 28, the clutch stopping when the clutch member 52 engages the arm 5| of the triple lever. This completes the cycle of operation of the trip mechanism and of the stapling mechanism, but, such operation may be repeated indefinitely once for each controlling dog finger that is located so as to engagethe respective trip finger 36. Thus the stapling mechanism 019-, erates only when and wheneverits respective trip finger 36 is actuated by a controlling dog finger 62. 7

Upon release of the clutch 28 and consequent rotation of the drive shaft 25, the eccentric drive shaft 22 will be rotated so as to operate the eccentrics 2| and 33. Thus, as the shaft 22 .is rotated, the consequent rotation of the eccentrics 2i and 33 will cause simultaneous operation of the stapling head driving bar l3 and the crank mechanism 30, 34, and ,35 which oscillates the stapling mechanism as the driving head'bar reciprocates, the eccentrics 2| and. 33 being'so .10: cated angularly relative to each other that the stapling mechanism will be caused to move with the box parts being operated upon during the staple driving and clinching operation, thus per-- mitting uninterrupted travel of the work feeding mechanism. This feature is also old and 'well--. known in the art and need not be, further de scribed. f

The work feeding mechanism may be any of several well-known constructions and the chain 9 may be of any suitable type for supporting and transporting the frames 55 through they machine. Ordinarily the chains 9 will be provided with spaced lugs, not shown, for positively. engaging the rearward edge of the frames 55 so that they will move at a uniform rate through the machine without any danger of slippage relative to the work feeding mechanism.

The construction and arrangement of the working bed of the feeding mechanism in front of the entering end of the machine and beyondithe leav ing end of the machine is not shown or described since any suitable arrangement may be employed. Ordinarily suflicient working bed in frontjof the machine will be provided to permit the setting of the frames onto-the feeding mechanism chains,

the frames 55 having the box materialplaced thereon before being set on the chains orv after being set on the chains as may be desired; vAt

frames 55 onto any suitable table or other receiving arrangement.

The main advantages of my improved stapling inbox parts, that would ordinarily require sev- -eral stapling machines and operating runs, may

be accomplished with a single machine and a single run. Also a single machine may be employed, without change in stapling head set-up for fastening the parts of several sizes of boxes requiring different staple spacing arrangements in .a single .run and regardless of the order in which the frames carrying the several box sizes follow each other. Another advantage of my improved combination lies in the arrangement whereby the operation of the respective stapling mechanisms is independent of location of the box parts relative to the work feeding mechanism, the work feeding mechanism and the stapling mechanism being co-related only with regard to the distance of travel of the feeding mechanism during one cycle of stapling operation.

Another advantage of my improved construction lies in the reduction of operating cost that is obtained. Thus, with the present arrangement 15 or 20 frames for a particular box size is all that may be required and after a run of boxes or box mats has been completed these frames may be stored for service on a repeat order. In the ordinary arrangement of stapling mechanisms the controlling means for operating the stapling mechanism is associated either directly with the machine or with the work feeding mechanism and consequently must be changed and rearranged for each change in size of box that is being run through the machine. This is a costly and time consuming procedure and is particularly so with regardto frequent repeat orders. With my improved arrangement the only parts that must be set up. on the machine are the stapling heads, the drivingheads and the anvils for clinching the driven staples. The controlling pattern for controlling the selective operation and sequence of operations of the stapling mechanisms is independent of the machine and associated with the assembly forms or frames 55.

Another advantage of my improved arrangement is'tliat the frames may be fed to the ma chine according to the will of the'operator and with any haphazard spacing between the frames, without dangerof the stapling mechanism operating Without box parts being properly p051: tioned beneath the stapling heads. In ordinary stapling machines where the controlling means is associated with the work feeding mechanism the box parts must be assembled on the work feeding mechanism in exact order and withoutany blank spaces since the operation of the stapling mechanism depends upon the position of the work feeding mechanism rather than the 10,-;

cation of the box parts in the machine.

Although but one specific embodiment of 7' invention is herein shown and described, it will be understood that numerous details of the con struction shown-may be altered or omitted without departing from the spiritof this invention as defined by the following claims.

.Iclaimp.

' 1. A stapling machine comprising a' continuously traveling work feeding means, a plurality of staple setting mechanisms arranged succes-v sively in the direction of travel of said work feeding means, power driven means arranged for'op erating said staple setting mechanisms, and

means to actuate said staple settlngfmechanisms selectively as work is progressed through said stapling machine by-said work feeding means.

2. A stapling machine comprising a. continuously traveling work feeding means, a plurality of independently operable staple setting mechanisms arranged successively in the direction of travel of said work feeding means, power driven means arranged for operating said staple setting mechanisms, means to drive said work feeding means at a constant speed, and means to'actuate said staple setting mechanisms. selectively as work is progressed through said stapling machine by said work feeding means.

3. A stapling machine comprising a continu: ously traveling work feeding means, a plurality of staple setting mechanisms arranged successively in the direction of travel of said Work feeding means, saidstaple setting, mechanisms each comprising a laterally adjustablestapling head, power driven means arranged for operating said staple setting mechanisms, and meansto actuate said staplesetting'mechanisms individually and selectively'as work is progressed through said stapling machine by said work feeding means.

, 4, A stapling machine comprising a continuously traveling work feeding means, a plurality of independently operable staple setting mechanisms arranged successively in the direction of travel of said work .feeding means, said staple setting mechanisms each comprising a laterally adjustable stapling head, power driven means arranged for operating saidv staple setting mechanisms,

meansto drive said work feeding means at a con- I stant speed, and means to actuate said staple setting mechanisms selectively as work is progressed through said staplingmachine by said work feeding means.

5. A stapling machine comprisin a continuously traveling work feeding means,a plurality of independently operable staple setting mechanisms arranged successively in the direction of travel of said work feeding means, power'driven means arranged for operating said staple setting mechanisms, means to drive said work feeding means at a constant speed, means to actuate said staple setting mechanisms respectively, and means carried by said work feeding means ar- F ranged to selectively operate said actuating means. 7

6. A stapling machine comprising a. continu-.

ously traveling Work feeding means, a plurality of'independently operable staple setting mechanisms arranged successively in the direction of travel of said Work feeding means, power driven means arranged for operating said staple. setting mechanisms, means to drive said work feeding 'means at a constant speed, means to actuate said 7 staple setting mechanisms. respectively," and a pattern carried by said work feeding means arranged to operate saidactuatingmeans selectively.

7. 'A'stapling machine comprising a continuously traveling work feeding means, a plurality of independently operable staple setting mechanisms arranged; successively in the direction .of

travel of said work" feeding ,means, power driven means arranged for operating said staple setting mechanisms, means 'to' drive said work feeding eansat a constant speed, means to actuate said staplesetting mechanisms respectively, and an adJustable pattern carried by said work feeding means arranged to selectively operate said actuating means and. intervals. 1 r

' r sp i y 'predetermined' 8. A machine for use in making boxes, crates and the like comprising, in combination, a plurality of staple setting mechanisms operable to drive staples into box parts, work feeding means arranged to feed box parts to said staple setting mechanisms successively, staple controlling means arranged to actuate said staple setting mechanisms respectively, and staple positioning means to operate said staple controlling means selectively. V V

9. A machine for use in making boxes, crates and the like comprising, in combination, a plurality of staple setting mechanisms operable to drive staples into box parts,, work feeding means arranged to feed box parts to said staple setting mechanisms successively, and means to control the location of staples at predetermined points in the box parts comprising respective controlling members for said staple setting mechanisms, and

staple positioning means to operate said control ling members selectively.

10. A machine for use in. making boxes, crates and the like comprising, in combination, a plurality of staple setting mechanisms operable to drive staples into box parts and each comprising a group of stapling heads, work feeding means arranged to feed box parts to said staple setting mechanisms successively, staple controlling means nisms respectively, and staple positioning means to operatesaid staple controlling means selectively.

arranged to actuate said staple setting mecha- I ll. A machine foruse. in making boxes crat'es and the like comprising, in combination, a pluralityof staple setting mechanisms operable to drive staples intobox partsand each comprising a simultaneously voperable group of stapling work feeding meansarranged to feed box parts tosaid staple setting mechanisms successively,

staple controlling means arranged to actuate said'staplesetting mechanisms respectively, and

staple positioning. means to operate said. staple controlling means selectively. v

13. A machine for use in making boxes, crates and the like comprising ln combination, a plu rality of staple setting mechanisms operable to drive staples in box parts, work feeding means arranged to feed box parts to said staple setting mechanisms successively, staple: controlling means arranged. to actuate said staple setting mechanims respectively, a box parts assembly frame carried by said work feeding means, and staple positioning means on said frame to operate said 7 staple, controlling means selectively,

.14; A machine; for use in making boxes,'crates and the; like. comprising, in. combination, a plurality of staple. setting Imechanisms operable to a drive staples in, box parts, workfeeding 'm'eans' arranged to feed bo-x parts to said staple setting mechanisms successively, v, staple controlling meansarranged to actuate said staple setting a mechanisms respectively, a box parts assembly frame carried by said work feeding means, and w a plurality of adjustable staple positioning means on said frame to operate said staple controlling means selectively. v

15. The combination with a stapling machine having trip means controlling the operation of staple setting mechanism, and work feeding means for carrying parts to be stapled through said machine, of a separate assembly frame removably carried by said work feeding means for holding said parts to be stapled in proper relation to each other, and a plurality of adjustable staple positioning members on said frame arranged to engage said trip means as said frame is carried through said machine.

16. The combination with a stapling machine having a plurality of staple setting mechanisms, respective trip means for controlling the operation of said staple setting mechanisms independently, and Work feeding means for carrying parts to be stapled through said machine, of a separate assembly frame removably carried by said feeding means for holding said parts to be stapled in proper relation with each other, and a plurality of adjustable staple positioning members on said frame arranged to engage said trip means selectively as said frame is carried through said machine.

17. The combination with a stapling machine having a plurality of staple setting mechanisms, respective trip means for controlling the operation of said staple setting mechanisms independently, and work feeding means for carrying parts to be stapled through said machine, of a separate assembly frame removably carried by said feeding means for holding said parts to be stapled in proper relation with each other, and a predetermined staple positioning pattern member mounted on said frame and arranged to actuate said trip means selectively as said frame is carried through said machine.

-18. A box parts assembly form for carrying box parts through an automatic stapling machine, comprising a frame having means therein for supporting a plurality of box parts and holding the same in predetermined relation to each other, and a staple position control pattern mounted on one side of said frame, said pattern comprising individually adjustable and interchangeable actuating members adaptedtooperate the control mechanism of a stapling machine and located relative to said frame according to predetermined places in said. box parts where staples are to be set. V

19. A box parts assembly form for carrying box parts through an automatic stapling ma:- chine, comprising a frame having means therein for supporting a plurality ,of box parts and holding the same in predetermined relation to each other, and a staple position control pattern mounted on one side of said frame, said pattern comprising a plurality of individual horizontally adjustable and vertically variable actuating members adapted to operate the control mechanism of a stapling machine and located relative to said frame according to predetermined places in said box parts where staples are to be set.

20. A stapling machine comprising a continuously traveling Work feeding means, a plurality of staple-setting mechanisms arranged successively in the direction of travel of said workfeeding means, power-driven means arranged for operating said staple-setting mechanisms, and means to actuate said staple-setting mechanisms individually as work isprogressed through said stapling machine by said work-feeding means.

21. A box parts assembly form for carrying box parts through an automatic stapling machine, comprising a frame having means there in for supporting a plurality of box parts and holding the same in predetermined relation with each other, a staple-position control pattern mounted on said frame, said pattern comprising individually adjustable actuating members adapted to operate the control mechanism of a stapling machine and located relative to said frame according to predetermined places in said box parts where staples are to be set, and said actuating members having vertically spaced laterally projecting actuating fingers.

JOHN R. MILLER. 

